For the first time in a long time, the quarterback situation is already settled–with Case Keenum.
But the backup spot is still up for grabs.
Paxton Lynch has been in and out of that position since he got here–but this year, Chad Kelly is hot on his heels.
They’re two quarterbacks with two completely different styles.
“I think Paxton is doing a good job with his footwork. He did a good job Day 2 of going through progressions and finding the third and fourth guy in the progression. That’s improvement for Paxton, obviously," Head Coach Vance Joseph said on Monday.
"Chad is different. He’s a playmaker. If it’s a dirty play, he makes it look clean. That’s his strength. He’s just a playmaker, so if it looks really muddy, he comes out and makes a play. That’s what he does.”
Just 3 days into training camp, Kelly said it’s less about winning the backup job and more about developing an offense–which Joseph says is only about 35, maybe 40% installed.
“I’m focused on myself, trying to get better," said Kelly.
"That’s just leading my team down the field every single day. Even in the classroom, you have to get better. It’s not just on the football field. You have to know your reads inside and out and come to work every day prepared.”
Another big focus: finding a rhythm with Denver’s deep receiving corps.
"Chad is a great guy on the field. He gets in there and controls the huddle and everything," Isaiah McKenzie told reporters.
"When he throws the ball, it’s pretty hard, but you’ve got to catch it," he added.
“If it’s a slant, we have to know how many steps we’re taking up and coming back under. We have to be on the same page if we want to excel in this game," Kelly explained
Kelly isn’t a rookie, but says this feels a bit like a rookie season–especially playing behind a quarterback like Keenum.
"He’s been through so much and to get to this position is exceptional. As much as I can take from him and [QB] Paxton [Lynch], those guys have been through some stuff before. I’m trying to learn each and every day," said Kelly.
Training camp continues Tuesday, when full pads will come on.
